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Newspaper
Cedar Rapids Gazette
Location
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States of America
Date
Sep 08, 1988
Page
6
Jerry Elsen is listed as Editor of Editorial Pages while Editorial Board Chairm Dave Mortis serves as Managing Editor. The notation suggests combined roles in the newspaper’s opinion and editorial department.
Editorial notes National Literacy Day efforts in Eastern Iowa with The Gazette and KCRG as part of a campaign citing more than 20 million functionally illiterate adults and 30 million with marginal skills. Stresses adults facing embarrassment, the value of library programs, small classes, and volunteers aiming for progress by century's end.
The piece surveys a decade of attempted book bans in public school libraries targeting titles like The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and All Quiet on the Western Front. Critics link censorship to religious bias and anti evolution sentiment as they defend literacy and free ideas. It notes Reagan era dynamics and cites Kirkwood Community College’s Right to Read program promoting reading as opening new worlds.
The Cedar Rapids Reds clinched the 1988 Midwest Baseball League championship by sweeping Springfield 2-0 in the Southern Division playoffs and Kenosha 3-1 in the finals. Manager Marc Bombard led a club praised as the league’s best hitting and pitching staff with strong support from the Cincinnati Reds organization and local fans at Veterans Memorial Stadium.
Senator Rudy Boschwitz challenged Congress for pork barrel spending after proposing to strike 1.7 billion in add-ons and 4 billion in plus-ups in the defense appropriations bill. He warned the wasteful practice undermines armed services and questioned the value of such micromanagement. The move aimed to reduce overall defense spending to align with White House figures of 299.5 billion, but he withdrew when expected to lose 99 to 1.
The letters defend liberal ideals including strong defense, capitalism with fairness, civil liberties, and social programs like Social Security and Medicare. Michael Bourge cites NATO UN and the Peace Corps while inviting readers to the Fall Czech Festival on 16th Avenue SW featuring food, music, demonstrations, and a Czech Christmas Shop.
At a Chamber meeting Cedar Rapids Chamber president Henry Royer calls the city’s business of Cedar Rapids is business. Susan McDermott seeks re election for member at large reflecting on school system as a key local employer and budget decision maker.
A note urges pedestrians to watch for turning cars when using crosswalks and reminds drivers to slow for pedestrians. It warns against littering broken bottles on sidewalks and roads to prevent injuries and tire punctures. Please be careful.
A Cedar Rapids citizen lauds former assistant to the mayor Tom Aller as a mainstay in city government. The writer commends his analytic approach and vision while noting Jon Janda will continue serving the city well and wishing Aller success in his new role.
Eastern Iowa residents donated over seven tons of clothing for KCRG TV 9 campaign. Hardee’s and True Value Stores supported with 40 drop sites while City New Process Launderers cleaned all items in extreme heat. Clothes were delivered to 19 communities and over 2,000 families benefited, aiding Iowa youngsters for fall.
A note from F L Hamilton of Mechanicsville reports the cement vase missing from the third section of Olin Cemetery after lawn work. The writer urges the thief to return the vase and honor the grave, expressing frustration and a demand for restitution.
The Czech Heritage Singers of Cedar Rapids represented the city with two concerts at the World Agricultural Exposition in Amana on Sept. 7. The piece notes local appearances and a missed Gazette mention, praising Cedar Rapids Czech heritage groups and announcing the 15th Czech Village Festival September 10–11 with food music and entertainment.
A selfless helper Sister Clare on a Montana Indian reservation has devoted her life to teaching local children and now requests assistance to obtain a van for transportation. Pearl Kruse at 1117 18th Ave SW records the appeal for Campbell’s soup labels and community aid.
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